Preeclampsia during pregnancy can creep in slowly but quickly become a very threatening condition. With proper education on the signs and symptoms, many birth parents can curb the risks altogether. Medical care providers will do their part throughout prenatal care appointments to monitor this condition. Still, it’s vital to understand the early signs of preeclampsia in pregnancy to stay ahead.

What Is Preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia is the result of high maternal blood pressure. When doctors discover these high readings, they may test the mother’s urine to detect the protein levels. If the protein levels are too high or above average, this can help diagnose preeclampsia and initiate the need for comprehensive monitoring measures.

Preeclampsia before 20 weeks gestation is uncommon, and it’s most often discovered, diagnosed, and monitored around 34 weeks gestation and beyond. Often, birth parents do not know they are dealing with preeclampsia until thorough testing occurs, but there are a few signs this condition is developing or progressing.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can begin as early as the first trimester and continue as the pregnancy progresses. If high blood pressure presents itself early, providers may begin taking all health and safety actions to maintain the effects and keep it under more control.

Sometimes, high blood pressure is present because of environmental factors, so it’s vital for medical providers to monitor these numbers diligently. At 34 weeks or beyond, persistently high blood pressure will require further testing to detect or rule out preeclampsia.

Headaches and Vision Issues

With persistently high blood pressure, birth parents may begin experiencing headaches and vision issues. They may begin experiencing these issues without knowing what their blood pressure reads. Headaches and vision issues may not always indicate preeclampsia, but often they are clear physical indications in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Abdominal Pains

Abdominal pains during pregnancy are a surefire sign of an issue, such as one of the first early signs of preeclampsia in pregnancy. This is especially true if a birth parent experiences these pains before the 34-week mark or throughout the pregnancy. Any pain not related to a muscle ache is a must-treat issue, and birth parents should seek medical care right away.

Providers must complete comprehensive testing to assess a birth parent’s health and concerns appropriately and accurately. Completing urine analysis tests and blood tests are steps in the right direction. But providers may suggest early labor and delivery to begin healing preeclampsia and reduce risks for the fetus.

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